Pretoria: Leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) commenced the closed session of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, concentrating on regional integration, trade, infrastructure, and energy.
According to South African Government News Agency, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola addressed the media on the sidelines of the summit. He highlighted that SADC regional integration, inter-regional trade, infrastructure projects, energy, the electricity power pool, and peace and security were among the key topics on the summit's agenda. Lamola emphasized the significance of infrastructure development at border posts for regional progress.
Lamola elaborated on the North-South Corridor, a pivotal infrastructure project extending from Durban Port to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the development of One-Stop Border Posts at key locations like Lebombo. These efforts, he noted, are crucial for enhancing economic trade and growth in the region, particularly between Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the DRC.
The summit also addressed the beneficiation of Southern Africa's raw minerals, with discussions centering on how these resources can drive regional industrialization and manufacturing. Lamola mentioned that this initiative aligns with the outcomes of the G20 and the African Union, focusing on investment in the African continent for beneficiation at source.
Electricity and the SADC energy power pool are also on the agenda, as these are essential for powering manufacturing plants, factories, and industry across the region.